PROSECUTION OF "THE TIMES."

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 13783, 2 June 1915, Page 5

PROSECUTION OF "THE TIMES."

INFRINGEMENT OF- WAR.

REGULATIONS

PUBLICATION OF FORBIDDEN

INFORMATION

A COMPLAINT FROM FRANCE

London, May 31

The Government, is prosecuting the publisher of "The Times" and Major E. Richardson, the well known breeder of dogs for Army and police work, for publishing a letter written by Major Richardison after a visit to the front, stating that the last French reserves were out, and Lhat young, raw recruits were being called up, and other information useful to the enemy.

■ Major Richardson's letter said that France was looking to us to supply enormous numbers of men. Failing this there was a distinct danger of public sentiment in Franco wearying of the war. He saw here- scores of lusty young men utterly callous and indifferent to tho anguish of their brothers so long as they got the war bonus.

Mr. Bodkin, K.C 3 prosecuting, said "The Times," in common with other newspapers, received an order specifying what might not be published, and it ought to have consulted the Press Bureau if there was the .slightest doubt. The French military authorities had seriously complained to the War Office about the letter, and the War Office appreciated the seriousness of the statement tending to assist the enemy in making them consider that the French forces had reached the; limit.

A detective testified that Major Rich ardson admitted writing tho letter. Ho said he thought it would be submitted

to the censor